Nash watch: Agent speaks, Preds trying to get in

In the last day or so I went from being not so optimistic that Rick Nash would be traded before Monday's deadline to being at the point of a coin flip. That's what one little statement from an agent can do.

For the first time since the Nash trade talk picked up a few weeks back, his agent Joe Resnick shared his thoughts on the situation. And they put a little pressure on Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson.

"We're hopeful a deal can get done prior to the trade deadline that is fair and equitable for the Blue Jackets," Resnick told TSN. "However, if a deal is not reached, then the list of acceptable teams will not change at a later date."

So much for the idea of summer opening up the market.

It already seemed like a good idea to get a deal done before the deadline passes for Columbus. You knew once the word spread they were willing to listen to offers his days in Columbus were done. There was just no backtracking from how far things had gone. Especially now. It's to the point where Nash's camp is "hopeful" for a trade before the deadline? Talk about a lame duck if he sticks around.

One informed source told The Post that Sather has held firm in his refusal to send 2009 first-rounder Chris Kreider, the Boston College winger who is regarded as a can’t-miss prospect, to the Blue Jackets for Nash. Neither will the general manager agree to move young blue-line chips Ryan McDonagh or Michael Del Zotto.

A second source told The Post that Sather has agreed to include 21-year-old defenseman Tim Erixon in the package that would go to Columbus in exchange for Nash, who has indicated a willingness to waive his no-move clause for a deal to a select number of big-market teams.

It is unclear whether Sather is willing include 2012 first-rounder J.T. Miller in the package for Nash that would include Brandon Dubinsky, a future first-rounder, and likely at least another well-regarded prospect.

But there is another team at least trying to enter the conversation. The Nashville Predators are as big of buyers right now as they ever have been. They are trying to prove to their defensive StarsRyan Suter and Shea Weber that they are committed to winning it all in Nashville so they'll re-sign.

And they have reportedly put forth a pretty good looking offer for the Jackets to consider. They apparently have a standing offer on the table for the Jackets and Nash and Predators beat writer David Boclair speculates it would likely include Colin Wilson, Ryan Ellis or Jonathon Blum, a first-round pick and maybe a little more.

Keep in mind that Nash has a no-trade clause and at no point have the Predators been rumored to be on that list. If you are to gauge based on the teams that are thought to be on it -- Rangers and Leafs for starters -- Nashville doesn't seem to fit that bill, either. Oh, and the Predators play in the same division as the Blue Jackets. So there's that.

The odds of getting a deal done with Nashville seem so remote from two fronts. But still, Section 303 points out that perhaps it could all be too much for either the Jackets or Nash to say no.

The Predators are willing to give up a Stepan-type (Wilson), a young blueliner with the same offensive upside (if not moreso) as Del Zotto and McDonagh (Ellis), a little insurance in Laakso and a first round draft choice for the same player that those other GM’s are saying no to.

If you’re Columbus, this is the best deal on the table right now by far. This is when the motivated parties come together and do what’s best for everyone involved and make the deal.

Howson goes to Nash’s camp and says “Look, you want out by Monday. This is your chance. Nashville has offered far and away the best deal. Take it or stick around until the summer.” At that point, Nash and his agent have a decision to make. Accept the trade to Music City where Vezina Trophy finalist Pekka Rinne and future Norris Trophy winners Weber and Suter await or stay in the Buckeye State with the likes of Steve Mason between the pipes and an overpaid mediocre defense corps.

Wishful thinking to be sure, but there is some soundness to the conversation. I just can't see Howson dealing within the division even if Nash agreed to a move to Nashville.

So this all sets up for a very interesting final day of the Nash trade deadline sweepstakes. The heat is on Howson to move now, nobody likes a lame duck. It becomes a question now of who blinks first. Or if anybody will blink.

Nash watch: Agent speaks, Preds trying to get in

Why should the Nashville Predators hockey defensemen play tonight? This after dark shift is a Bible Study night.

Since: Sep 5, 2006

Posted on: February 27, 2012 12:14 pm

Nash watch: Agent speaks, Preds trying to get in

As strange as it may seem, they are actually the one team that could make it happen, and come out with a total dollar swap. Not sure that they B's are willing to undergo the risk all around, but a 2-1 current and a trade of picks this year and next could do it. That is a big risk though.

Since: Nov 2, 2006

Posted on: February 26, 2012 6:57 pm

Nash watch: Agent speaks, Preds trying to get in

You're an idiot.

Since: Apr 27, 2009

Posted on: February 26, 2012 5:15 pm

Nash watch: Agent speaks, Preds trying to get in

He's not going anywhere until summer.

LEAFS62
Since: Feb 26, 2012

Posted on: February 26, 2012 5:04 pm

This comment has been removed.

Post Deleted by Administrator

Since: Aug 20, 2007

Posted on: February 26, 2012 4:58 pm

Nash watch: Agent speaks, Preds trying to get in

I think he stays in Columbus until July. Then he ends up in Boston and TimThomas along with Jordan Caron and a few Draft picks go to Columbus.

Since: Oct 26, 2006

Posted on: February 26, 2012 4:43 pm

Nash watch: Agent speaks, Preds trying to get in

After watching Nash in person at the Pens game today, to bad he won't fit in here under the cap.He will be a great addition where ever he goes, forgot how much he does both ways, kills penaltys too.Hope he stays in the west.

Since: Dec 13, 2008

Posted on: February 26, 2012 2:09 pm

Nash watch: Agent speaks, Preds trying to get in

Theres no way Nash waives his no-trade clause to play in Nashville, good team, bad location, and even uglier jerseys. He's coming home to Toronto baby!!! Columbus can have anyone you want!

Since: Feb 6, 2011

Posted on: February 26, 2012 1:26 pm

Nash watch: Agent speaks, Preds trying to get in

BRUINS ( need ) a PLAY-MAKER like NASH !!!! or they will NOT be getting anywhere close to repeating this year !! : (

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